A section of the civil society yesterday welcomed BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia’s strategy to extend the olive branch to the government while renewing the call for dialogue to hold inclusive polls under a non-partisan caretaker regime. They also called for facilitating an understanding by permitting the 18-party alliance to hold peaceful programmes without hindrance to help the ruling party and the main opposition to arrive at a solution to end the prevailing political impasse. Describing Khaleda’s proposal as “good,” eminent jurist, barrister Rafique-ul Huq noted that she has agreed to dialogue shunning the path of violence. “A lop-sided election was held on January 5. However, Khaleda’s demand for a fair and credible poll under a caretaker government lacks complete clarity. The BNP chairperson did not elucidate on the composition of such a poll-time government,” one of the country’s senior most jurists observed.
He, however, added: “It is a positive indication of politics of understanding. Politics of violence is not desirable.”
The ruling party should respond to the BNP chairperson’s proposals as soon as possible to end the present political impasse and arrange the national elections soon, Huq observed.
Former adviser to caretaker government Dr Akbar Ali Khan observed that some of the allegations brought by Khaleda on the election irregularities have substance. He, however, said that she did not specify how she would resolve them.
“The government has the responsibility to create conditions for talks by allowing peaceful programmes like rallies and meetings, withdrawing restrictions on them to help restore confidence for the dialogue,” the political critic observed.
Columnist Syed Abul Maksud hailed the restrained programme of the 18-party alliance saying it would help create the transition from violence towards peace. He further said the government would be held responsible, if it obstructs normal and peaceful political programmes.
“Now, it is up to the government to arrange another free, fair and credible election to be participated by all the political parties as soon as possible. It would be historic if the government does so and the BNP should co-operate for the government to hold such an inclusive poll,” Maksud said.
Executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Dr Md Iftekharuzzaman termed the speech of Khaleda Zia positive, with meaningful indication for politics. He, however, said it depended on how the government considered the BNP’s proposal for talks.
“When both sides are talking about dialogue to resolve the political impasse, it indicates that the door for talks is still open,” he pointed out.
The TIB executive director also said the people of the country expect the political parties to announce peaceful programmes. They do not want to see any programme for violence.
Dr Iftekharuzzaman observed that the BNP has not yet been able to end its dependence on the reactionary forces, which is important to ensure observance of its peaceful programme. He also reminded that the government should initiate measures so that the BNP can carry out peaceful programmes, which is necessary for peaceful movement and understanding.
Courtesy of The Independent
